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Definitions

counterfeit

[koun-ter-fit] / ˈkaʊn tərˌfɪt /
ADJECTIVE
fake, simulated
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bogus copied false fictitious forged fraudulent phony spurious
STRONG
Hollywood affected assumed bent brummagem crock ersatz faked feigned framed imitation misleading mock pirate plant pretended pseudo put on sham wrong
WEAK
deceptive delusive delusory fishy not genuine not kosher pretentious snide soft-shell suppositious two-faced won't fly
Antonyms
STRONGEST
actual authentic factual genuine honest real sincere true truthful valid
STRONG
OK
NOUN
fake, forgery
Synonyms
STRONG
actor bum copy deceit deception dummy facsimile fraud hoax humbug imitation imposture phony pseudo put on reproduction sell sham simulacrum
WEAK
bogus junque
Antonyms
STRONG
frankness honesty openness original truth truthfulness uprightness
WEAK
real thing reality
VERB
make deceitful imitation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fabricate
STRONG
Xerox affect ape assume bluff carbon cheat clone coin copy defraud delude ditto do dupe fake feign forge imitate impersonate mimeo mimic mint phony pretend sham simulate
WEAK
act like circulate bad money do like go like knock off make like make money phony up put on stat
Antonyms
STRONG
be original differ oppose reverse tell the truth
WEAK
be honest

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Major online platforms say they are "working hard to protect customers" by removing unsafe and counterfeit goods from sale.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

In addition to 78 months in prison, Shah was ordered to forfeit $6,500,000, 30 luxury items and 78 counterfeit luxury items, according to the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

"The biggest problem with Pakistani medicine was that we used to receive counterfeit and fake medicines," ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman told AFP.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

The lawsuit seeks a court order that would prevent Walmart from selling the alleged counterfeit products as well as monetary damages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

When the counterfeit Beast was perfected, the knights took it away and hid it in a cave at the foot of the cliffs, above high-water mark.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Vocabulary lists containing counterfeit

Against All Odds: Contra and Counter

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Fake It 'Til You Make It: Synonyms for "False"

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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!